Manny takes pride as Team Kia coach

MANILA, Philippines - Eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao hopes to mold Team Kia into the image of the boxing icon by subjecting the team into the kind of training that would draw out the best from the PBA expansion team.

Pacquiao bared his plans after franchise holder Columbian Autocar Corp. formally named him yesterday as its head coach, giving the Filipino champ a new field to conquer on top of his role as Sarangani representative and the nation and the world’s top sporting hero.

He’s convinced he can juggle his time to attend to his duties in the House of Representatives, stay in shape as a champion fighter and at the same time form a competitive Team Kia that is joining the local pro league by its 40th season starting October.

“It’s a matter of time management and discipline,” said Pacquiao during the formal announcement of his appointment as Team Kia chief tactician at the Pacific Star Bldg. in Makati attended by CAC chairman Jose Chavez Alvarez, president Ginia Domingo and PBA commissioner Chito Salud among others.

“Ako’y masayang-masaya na kinuhang head coach ng Kia. Alam kong ito’y malaking responsibilidad at kailangan kong mapatunayan na kaya kong magpakita ng gilas sa basketball (I’m very happy to be chosen as head coach of Team Kia. I know that I’ve got a big responsibility, and I need to prove that I can show knowledge in basketball),” Pacquiao said.

“Abangan nyo ang mga susunod na kabanata. First time na papasok ang Kia (sa PBA), di namin kayo bibiguin (Wait for the unfolding chapters. Kia is joining the PBA for the first time. We will not fail you),” Pacquiao added.

The eight-division boxing world champ said he’s focusing on forming Team Kia at the moment, but added he’s open to joining the Rookie Draft then seeing action as player/coach of the expansion ball club.

“I will follow the rules of the PBA (on drafting). I’m open to that,” said Pacquiao, admitting his first love is basketball before jumping over to boxing.

“I really love basketball that’s why even though I’ve had my accomplishments in boxing, I’m still fond of basketball,” Pacquiao added.

He said he would be hands-on in training and in actual coaching although he will have his battery of assistant coaches.

Spotted in the ceremony were former PBA players Rob Wainwright and Cito Victolero, regularly seen assisting Pacquiao in Kia tryouts. Glenn Capacio and Ariel Vanguardia were other names mentioned before as being eyed to help out Pacquiao.

“I’m really focused now on getting good players and in organizing a good team. I’m thinking of the fans. I don’t want to be embarrassed,” Pacquiao said.